Select the layer, selection, or object you want to transform.
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Move reference point for transformations
Last updated on
2 Dec 2025
Learn how to position the reference point for more precise control when scaling, rotating, or applying other transformations in Adobe Photoshop.
Transformations start from the object's center by default, but you can move the reference point to control the direction or origin. The reference point is hidden by default and must be made visible.
Select Edit > Transform and select a transformation type, or select Edit > Free Transform to apply multiple transformations.
In the Options bar, select the Reference point location icon to display the reference point on the document.
Drag the reference point to a new position inside or outside the bounding box to set a new transformation origin.
Press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) to apply the transformation.
